'Shame on them' - Funding for Drogheda's 'most dangerous junction' pulled
Drogheda councillor Paddy McQuillan said the pause in funding for works to Rathmullan Road in the town is a 'kick in the teeth'
Planned works to the Rathmullan Road in Drogheda have been paused due to a "limited budget" according to Louth County Council.
The news was confirmed at the April meeting of the Drogheda Borough District.
The project had received €550,000 in Active Travel funding and included plans for works to Marley's Lane, which adjoins Rathmullan Road.
However, the Council confirmed that although "detailed design has commenced on the entire scheme" due to a "limited budget" only Marley's Lane will be prepared.
Independent councillor Paddy McQuillan said the news was a "kick in the teeth".
"I’ve been advocating for that junction, which is the most dangerous junction in the country."
"There’s a crash there nearly every week. You take your life in your hands crossing the road and leaving the junction, and they’re telling us that there’s no funding available. Shame on them," he said.
Other councillors also expressed their concerns with the lack of funding.
Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Michelle Hall said the Government had failed Drogheda at a time when "road deaths for pedestrians and cyclists are increasing".
"People want to use a form of active travel that is fun, cheap and healthy and the Government are failing us.
But they’re also failing us on our national and local policies where we have an actual legal obligation to protect our most vulnerable users on our roads, which are cyclists and pedestrians.
If the Government does not give us the money to protect them, how can we do it, and how can we get our children to school safely?" she said.
Independent councillor Declan Power said the pause in funding has "resulted in vital plans being put on hold".
Cllr Power said adequate cycling infrastructure is "essential" and not a luxury.
"It's essential for road safety, climate change, public health and sustainable transport," he said.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.